Welcome!

1-7 August is National Homelessness Week and the Tasmanian Government acknowledges those who are doing it tough and face uncertainty over where they will sleep each night. 

Homelessness Week asks all of us - government, businesses, support and accommodation services and the community - to recognise the need to take action to eliminate homelessness.

This year’s theme is “To end homelessness we need a plan” - and we have a plan with our $1.5 billion housing package to deliver 10,000 new homes for homeless Tasmanians over the next decade.  We are also investing over $36 million a year on wraparound services to ensure those who need help now are getting the help they need. 

Every Tasmanian deserves a roof over their head, and we have a comprehensive approach to address homelessness and housing stress across the state.

I now take this opportunity to thank my dear friend and colleague Jacquie Petrusma who has recently resigned as both Minister and Member for Franklin.  Jacquie has been a tireless, passionate advocate for over 12 years and I thank her for that, and wish her the very best for the future.

Following Jacquie's departure, as is normal, there is a reassessment of portfolios and I am delighted Felix Ellis, Member for Braddon has been elevated to Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management; and Skills, Training and Workforce Growth. 

Felix also takes on Resources, a position I have had the honour of holding over most of the past six years.  The sector is a key pillar of the State - providing thousands of jobs, the vast bulk of our exports and the timber, fibre products and minerals we all use in everyday life.  I wish Felix all the best with his ministries and am sure with his passion and experience in the sector, he will be a fantastic advocate for the industry!

As always, there remains much to do and I look forward to seeing you out and about.

Guy Barnett

eNews

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